Arsenal have reportedly reached out to a “world class” striker who has a £62m release clause, but they may face competition for his signature from several Premier League rivals, according to a report.

Gunners face setback against West Ham Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes took a significant blow on Saturday, suffering a surprise 1-0 defeat at home to West Ham United, leaving Liverpool with an 8-point lead at the top of the table.

Mikel Arteta was without a proper striker for the West Ham match, opting to use Mikel Merino in attack, but the Spaniard failed to make an impact despite his two-goal performance against Leicester City the previous week.

Arteta’s hopes of winning the title suffered another setback when Liverpool secured a 2-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday, extending their lead to 11 points, which may leave the manager regretting not signing a striker in the January transfer window.

Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard celebrates scoring their first goal with Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard

There had been calls for Arsenal to sign a striker earlier in the season, with concerns over Havertz, and the recent blow to their Premier League title chase will have underscored the need for a top forward this summer.

A report from Spain now suggests that the Gunners have made contact with Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Matheus Cunha ahead of a possible summer transfer.

Arsenal are seriously considering activating the £62m release clause in Cunha’s contract after being impressed by his performances for Wolves this season, but competition for his signature could be fierce.

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also linked as potential suitors for the Brazilian, with the relatively low release clause making a move plausible.

“World class” Cunha could be the answer Arsenal need Arsenal must sign a striker who can consistently score goals to avoid finding themselves in a similar position next season, with what could have been a title-winning season slipping away.

Cunha would certainly fill that need, having netted 13 Premier League goals this season, scoring in each of his last three matches, and contributing 22 goals last season.

Praised as “world class” by the media, the Brazilian international has proven he deserves a big move this summer, and £62m seems a fair price for a striker with his proven ability to deliver in the Premier League.

Arsenal risks finishing second for the third consecutive season, and while Arteta may regret not bringing in a striker in January, his priority should now be securing one in the summer transfer window.